This is a rare time in history for transformative opportunity. Drugs can now be seen for what they are: poisons/weapons. The days of occasional carefree recreational drug use are over. The chemicals have proven to be too strong, addictive, unpredictable and deadly. With the proper education the lengthy US drug epidemic could reshape how our youth view illicit drugs. After loosing their friends, parents, and siblings to drugs, the youth of America can change their curiosity towards drugs. Their party pill dealer is now their death dealer.
This National drug tragedy, the loss of over 1,000,000 American Citizens to poisonings and overdose has claimed more young lives than all of our wars combined since 1917 with World War I . This crisis has touched all families and could break the generational cycle of repeated drug use, crime and incarceration in families.
With the proper education of our 1st- 12th grade students the dangers of drugs can be reinforced yearly. Better holistic education can be introduced to kids for mental health, coping skills, stress and pain management. Online safety should be addressed to protect kids from unsuspecting dangers.
Our continued humanitarian movement of compassion and dignity can transform the lives of many adults who have fallen victim to the chemicals. Communities can ban together, reach out and assist hospitals and healthcare with the latest less restrictive Medication Assisted Treatment MAT rules changed by the DEA. Emergency Rooms can now administer the first dose of MAT medication assisted treatment for OUD opioid use disorder.
Various programs such as ‘Care Court’, ‘The HEAL Program’, ‘Blue HART Program’, ‘Denver Cares’ have started helping people recover and get MAT medication assisted treatment while incarcerated or transient.
To decrease recidivism life skills and health training to include mental health, and the effects of the chemicals on the brain should be taught. Knowledge is power.
Continuance of education while incarcerated should be encouraged. (do your math🙂Read your book) It’s a competitive world out there and you have to be prepared to pay the rent. Legally.
Employment skills training programs should be incorporated into these programs to ensure success and independence after incarceration.
Free education classes in the community and jails to receive your GED and associates degree.
Faith based programs engaging in the rehabilitation and incarceration, offer hope and support.
24/7 staffed licensed health care professional walk-in SUD Medication Assisted Treatment facilities.
Citizens can write to their Senator, Representative and Head of State about the grave threat to the US this inflow of addictive/deadly poisons and the illegal migrant invasion.
Local governments apply for Federal reimbursement funding for this epidemic that the Obama/Biden 2013 Administration caused us from neglecting to take action when first warned. The Administration did not warn the citizens that all the illicit drug supply was being laced with highly addictive chemicals. This should be treated like COVID was. An intentional injury to our citizens by the PRC. It did not have to explode and get out of hand like this. If we were told the truth then we could have received treatment years ago or not started at all. We would have been free to make an informed decision.
The Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (JCOIN) 2018-2024 encourages successful individuals in recovery to assist others. These programs highlight the fact that the healthcare system alone isn’t what is going to get these populations help. It’s the people with the lived experience helping to lift others and guide better solutions. This National Drug Crisis has caused great tragedy. At the same time now we have a great opportunity. We can use this opportunity to change the future projection of our communities and society to increase families being together, safety, health, productivity and happiness for our future.
https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2022/03/23/deas-commitment-expanding-access-medication-assisted-
https://calmatters.org/justice/2025/02/prop-36-arrests-treatment/?